Liberty hires ex-Ole Miss coach Freeze

The former Ole Miss coach resigned in July 2017 after the university uncovered
a "pattern of misconduct." He had 39 wins in five seasons.

Freeze replaces Turner Gill, who announced his retirement on Monday with 47
wins in seven seasons. The Flames went 6-6 last season in their transition to
the FBS level.

Former Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw, who resigned amidst a sexual
assault scandal involving the Bears' football program, is now in charge at
Liberty.

Freeze was contrite about his wrongdoing in a speech at Liberty earlier this
year.

"I had to say to people that I loved, 'I am sorry. Please forgive me,' "
Freeze said in a January convocation speech. "And today is really the first
day I can tell the faith family, 'I am sorry. Please forgive me.' "

Freeze also ran afoul of NCAA rules. According to the governing body, the
Rebels were guilty of providing impermissible benefits including meals and
lodging, and Freeze failed to monitor his coaching staff.

Ole Miss instituted a one-year bowl ban for the 2017 season in February based
on the NCAA notice of allegations that accused the school of lack of
institutional control. The NCAA added a bowl ban for 2018.